I was sitting here sipping my coffee looking out the window trying to think of a place next week to sunbathe, without offending someone who might end up calling me out and getting the police involved. I thought about it for a moment when Germany came to mind.
Germany has for around two years now have set up 6 official urban naked zones. Munich, Englischer has two places and Isar River Garten does as well. Because Germans do not make other people feel uncomfortable in their nakedness and unlike western countries that have taboos around public nudity. Germans accept no link between sexuality and the naked body.
I thought about it for a while. Where in Montreal would be a good spot for an urban naked zone. The only places I could think of was maybe somewhere on Mount Royal (Tam-Tams maybe or elsewhere) or Parc Angrignon. The main hiccup with this idea is how people would handle seeing the naked body. Whereas Germany does not find nudity a problem at all and will not be offended unless you make it sexualized.
I also feel that it’s not just Montreal that we should be wishing for more urban nude zones, but across Canada, USA, UK, etc — everywhere.
Talk to your politicians. You won't get what you don't ask for.
They're not my politicians – I don't live in Austin. So they won't pay attention to me.
There is a county park outside Austin, Texas that is clothing optional (Hippie Hollow, in Travis County), but no designated nude places actually within the city limits. Female top-free sunbathing was once common at Barton Springs (a city park) but that usage has dropped off quite a bit in the last few decades. It would be nice to have a fully nude park in Austin, but I don't think anyone is going to push for that anytime soon.
That's a fascinating idea Scott and I would certainly agree that all major cities should provide an urban nude zone, also coastal holiday places should allow space for naked sunbathing & activities such as beach sports & swimming.
Much less in Asia…a concept like this is still light years away!
I did not know such a thing existed anywhere. Fascinating. I cant imagine US ever relaxing enough to set up such a zone but I wish it would become a more common practice
There are so many parks that surround the Cleveland area and so many unused. This would be a great idea!
Montreal just needs to stop regulating individual choices of clothing. Its none of their f'ing business what someone chooses to wear, or not, in any part of their city.